A Spiritual Guide

Beware of False Friends 04.30.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday April 30, 2008 and today we are completing our study on the book of I KIngs. Please read Chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2021-22&vers ion=9

Today we will read and learn about the covetousness of Ahab leading Jezebel to murder Naboth, and the death of Ahab and Jezebel is foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must be careful who we associate ourselves with. 

Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel where his capital was the city of Samaria. His evil, wasted life is summed up in just a few words, There were none like, Ahab. "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 21:25-26).

Ahab invited Jehoshaphat, his daughter's father-in-law who was the king of Judah, to join him in a war to regain Ramoth-gilead, a strategic fortress on the Syrian border. Four hundred of Ahab's paid prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory. "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king." (22:2-6).

However, godly Jehoshaphat, having an uneasy feeling with the unanimous decision of facing such a grave crisis, asked for prophets of God to be called. "And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so." (22:7-8).

Ahab sent the messengers to get Micaiah. The messengers attempted to persuade Micaiah to agree with the false prophets and assured him that by doing so he would win the king's favor and be released from prison. But neither fears nor favors tempted Micaiah to betray his calling. He refused to be intimidated even by the presence of two kings and his 400 experts. Micaiah's one vote of opposition was rejected by Ahab who fulfilled the very prophecy proclaimed by Micaiah. There were 400 yes votes to one no vote, a miserable minority, but truth is seldom with the majority. Though he was slapped, dragged back to prison, and threatened with cruel treatment, the faithful Micaiah persisted in maintaining the truthfulness of his message and called upon the people to bear witness to it. "And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." (22:25-28).

God's presence can transform a dungeon into a palace when one is aware of God's presence. I saw the Lord was the response of this lonely prophet. A revelation from the Lord revealed the shallowness of earthly greatness. Many have sacrificed truth and good conscience for popular opinion or earthly treasures. Micaiah chose to wait for future rewards and endured the suffering he faced by not following those false prophets. We need to admire and follow the words of the Apostle Paul, "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24).

We must be careful with whom or what we align our lives, hanging around the wrong person can cause great affliction in the end. Only by reading God's Word daily can we keep from making wrong decisions and falling into the control of wordly people. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." ( II Thessalonians 3:3).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed By Micaiah, who would say only what God instructed him to say (I Kings 22:14). Jesus faithfully told others only what God told Him to say. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28).

Today's Psalm: 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life.  Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy.  Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.
God Bless,
Christina

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04.29.08
Dear Lord,
As we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?”  But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing.   Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life.  Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain.  Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a terrfic Tuesday and God Bless you.
Christina

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Depend on God 04.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday April 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 16-18 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2016-18&vers ion=9

Today we will read and learn about the evil kings of Israel; Elijah, the prophet, Elijah's announcement of drought; Elijah fed by ravens and the widow; him raising the widow's son; and his contest with prophets of Baal. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God will always take care of our needs, but in order to do that we must depend on Him and put our trust and faith in Him to get us through all of our difficulties.

With Ahab's reign began a new and very ungodly era in the history of Israel. Idolatry and wickedness flourished. Following his marriage to Jezebel and the establishment of Phoenecian idolatry, Ahab introduced Jezebel's worship of Baal as the religion of the nation. "And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him." (I Kings 16:29-33).

During his reign, true Israelite worshipers were unpopular and feared for their lives. Then, the prophet Elijah boldly declared to Ahab the there will be no rain in the land for years. "And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." (17:1).

In times of extremity God reveals Himself as the source of our daily necessities, God provided Elijah with what he needed. "So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook." (17:5-6). Then the water of the brook on which Elijah had depended gradually diminished and disappeared. When genuine faith is tested, it brings glory to God and works for the good of the believer who put their trust in HIm. "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." (17:8-9). Elijah put his trust in God as did the widow women and they were both blessed. "And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah." (17:13-16).

Christians are the representatives of God and are here to confirm His faithfulness. Our attitude, words and actions must all declare that He alone is our true and infallible Source of supply. It is imperative, therefore, and supremely so in financial matters, that we be in a true sense independent of men and wholly dependent upon God. If there is any weakness here, He will be robbed of the glory that is due only to Him. As God's servants, we must show forth the abundance of His spiritual resources and rely on Him for all things.

After 31/2 years of no rain, Elijah again, approached the king and informed him that Israel's drought was the result of he and his house rejecting the Commandments of the LORD. "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table." (18:18-19). He then challenged the 850 false prophets to call on the name of their gods to consume their sacrifice. "Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under." (18:22-25).

After a full day of Jezebel's prophets frantically praying to no avail, "And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded." (18:29). Elijah called the people to witness what God can do, "And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench." (18:33-38).

What a great sight that must have been to see God working and proving to all the false prophets that there in only One True God. Elijah illustrates how the power of God is released when we pray and are obedient to His Word.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Elijah, whose faith God provided flour and oil for the needy widow at Zarephath (I Kings 17:13-16). Christ is our Provider, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19).

Today's Psalm: 55:17
"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 86
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. 

Have a wonderful Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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True Word of God 04.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday April 26, 2008 and today we will continue our study on the book of I KIngs. Please read Chapters 12-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2012-13&vers ion=9

Today we will read and learn about Rehoboam and Jeroboam, tribes rebeling against Rehoboam and going to Jeroboam, an unnamed prophet, and the death of a disobedient prophet. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that there is only one True Word of God and we are to follow that and only that.

King Solomon's son, Rehoboam inherited the power and a treasury full of wealth. However, Solomon left the kingdom morally and spiritually bankrupt. "And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee." (1 Kings 12:1-4).

Rehoboam foolishly took the counsel of a young man which threatened the nation with additional taxes and even more cruel treatment. "And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.....So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents." (12:13-14,16). This blunder caused the people to rebel and declare a new king as the Lord had earlier ordained. "So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only." (12:19-20).

However, Jeroboam feared that if people returned to Jerusalem to worship, His Northern Kingdom would return to the house of David therefore he built two golden calves. "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan." (12:26-29). But the true God-appointed priests refused to participate in Jeroboam's two unauthorized locations at Dan and Bethel and moved to Jerusalem. In order to maintain his two altars, King Jeroboam was forced to hire men who were willing to participate in the worship of idols.

There is much in our religious lives today that is as cheap and superficial as the First Church of Jeroboam. Men, methods, and movements can all be bought with money, and only a few remain who cannot be bought with the king's influence or rewards.

Beware of the influence of those who should know the right answers, yet whose daily conduct and conversation reveal an inconsistent life. It is not difficult to recognize obvious sins such as theft, murder, or adultery and reject them. Christians often miss God's best by becoming involved in something that is not spiritually profitable. We must beware the suggestions or activities of "friends" that would get us sidetracked from doing what God has given us to do, even when it seems to be only "temporary." Satan will often use an "old prophet" to influence us from doing what we know is the will of God. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves......Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:15,21).

The greatest danger to the Church is not the outside world, but in fundamentally-sound believers who, have lost their "first love" and grown indifferent. "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:1-5).

It is of utmost importance that Christians guard against plans that distract us from the true written Word of God. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Distorting God's Word in order to justify our actions is never acceptable to God and will always lead us to failure, not only spiritually, but in all that we do. Some may live for the world and have many things, but eventually all that will end if we are not guarded with the shield of God.

Today's Psalm: 119:114-116
"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope."

Today's Prayer: Psalm 28
Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

Have a great day and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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P.S. I apologize for not getting this out yesterday, today's message will be posted this afternoon.

God Fills is The Void 04.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday April 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 9-11 or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%209-11&versi on=9

Today we will read and learn about a warning to Solomon; an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre; Solomon's riches and wisdom, and his falling away from the Lord. Today's message focuses on the importane of realizing that material things can not replace our relationship with God. We receive blessings through our trust and faith in God, without Him we are always searching for something bigger and better to fill the void.

The Lord gave Solomon special privileges far exceeding those of other kings, but the Lord's continued blessings were conditional, "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:" (I Kings 9:2-7).

Everything about Solomon was the world's greatest. His gigantic enterprises impressed the world. But the underlying corrupting influences of his wealth, worldly policies, many pagan wives, and ignoring the Word of God destroyed the foundation of David's kingdom.

Solomon ignored the basic principles that God required. Consequently, Solomon's compromise with the world and ignoring of the Word of God, deadened his spiritual discernment. The king who built the most famous Temple to the Living God in Jerusalem also built other temples for false gods to please his many heathen wives.  "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." (11:1-4)

Did Solomon assume that building the most sacred Temple in history, praying the longest prayer, and offering the most sacrifices meant that God would overlook his sins? In disregard for the Word of God, Solomon amassed thousands of horses and chariots and lived in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury He also violated a command of God by accumulating 700 wives and 300 concubines. Did Solomon deceive himself into thinking that, as king, he could ignore the Word of God in his personal life?

What happened to Solomon can happen to anyone who allows physical pleasure, riches, lust, or any other thing to crowd out their opportunities to give their best to Christ. Solomon did not, as did his father, inherit a kingdom in ruins; he inherited a kingdom which had been established in righteousness. As he advanced in wealth and popularity and as his mind expanded into the vast fields of intellectual research, the simplicity of his trust in God continued to diminish.

The man who surpassed all others with wealth, fame, and pleasure at the end of his life wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, stating that all is vanity without the Lord. "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 1:14). If any man could ever have been satisifed by getting all his heart's desires, that man would have been Solomon. Solomon's life illustrates the self-life having its full fling, but at the end concludes with emptiness.

God reminds all who believe that success in life is measured by acquiring an abundance of material things, "And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:19-21).

Today's Psalm: 24:3-5
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

Today's Prayer: Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Have a Fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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Temple of God 04.23.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday April 23, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 5-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%205-7&versio n=9

Today we will read and learn about the Temple that Solomon builds and the furnishings of the Temple and his own palace. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the Temple of God dwells within you.

Solomon makes great plans for the construction of the Temple, it takes 7 years to complete and it is magnificent. "And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it." (I Kings 6:38). Although the building was beautiful to behold, the real glory of the Temple was deep within. In like manner, the indwelling presence of the Lord is the life and the inspiration of all who know Him as Savior and Lord. God desires to display His priceless gold, silver, and precious stones of love, joy, peace, and gentleness through every believer. Solomon's Temple was not a large structure compared to some of today's massive worship centers, it was only 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet tall. The interior was divided into two rooms. The first room was called the Holy Place and was 60 by 30 feet; the second room was called the Holy of Holies and was a 30 x 30 x 30 foot cube. Its beauty was not in its intricate workmanship and the excessive costliness of its materials. Its true glory was in God's Presence in the Holy of Holies. The Temple was the only structure on earth ever to be the dwelling place of the Sovereign Creator and Holy God.

Solomon's Temple with all its gold was insignificant in comparison to the least Christian who is more precious to our Heavenly Father than all of earth's treasures. The erection of the Temple paralleled spiritually the building of the believer's character, "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (I Peter 2:5). The erection of the Temple was also a noiseless work for its massive stones were quarried and cut nearby. "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building." (I Kings 6:7). This silence was the design of God and illustrates the unnoticed manner in which God carries on His purpose of grace within the Christian.

There is much noise and confusion in the world, but quietness and sweet harmony exist in the heart where Christ dwells. The hammers of contention or frustration should never be heard within any House of God. Today every Christian is the Temple of God and His glory dwells within every believer. The miracle of the new birth and the indwelling Holy Spirit makes a clear distinction between the Christian and the unsaved, who cannot share in His glory. God's indwelling presence is experienced by those who submit to Him. Just think! The God of Heaven lives within every Christian. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Today's Psalm: 96:9
"O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It is in my hour of need that I see Your powerful provision in my life. When I'm in need of comfort, You are my Comforter. When I'm in need of courage You go before me. When I'm in need of friendship You are my friend that sticks closer than a brother.  When I'm in need of stability You are the Anchor for my soul. When I'm in need of finances You own the cattle on a thousand hills. When I'm in need of peace You are the peacemaker. When I'm in need of food You are the Bread of Life.  When I'm thirsty You are the living water that leads to eternal life. You are my Shepherd and I shall never be in want of anything. Thank You for meeting every need I have. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
God Bless,
Christina

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Seek God's Wisdom 04.22.08

Hello My Friends/Guest,

It is Tuesday April 22, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 3-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%203-4&versio n=9

Today we will read and learn about Solomon marrying the Pharoah's daughter and his kingdom becoming secure. Today's message focuses on realizing that God is the source of all wisdom and without Him we can not understand what is good or bad regardless of how good it looks to us.

Soon after Solomon became king we read that he creates a relationship with the Pharoah of Egypt and marries his daughter. He also declared his love for God, "And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days. And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places." (I Kings 3:1-3).

The Tabernacle and the Altar of Burned Offering were still located at Gibeon, about six miles northwest of Jerusalem. The last major event to take place at Gibeon was Solomon's great dedication service as king and on the night of that great sacrifice, Solomon had a remarkable dream. "And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants." (3:11-15). God's purpose for this dream was to remind Solomon that He is the source of all wisdom and, without Him, man is but a little child who needs help in order to discern between good and bad. This "dream" is recorded to remind us that this important need still exists today.

This dream revealed the abundant mercy and grace that God would give Solomon or anyone else who chooses to live to love the Lord with all his heart and keeps His commandments . Sadly, this remarkable dream had no lasting affect on his life for he became increasingly self-centered. Solomon ignored God's Word concerning what the kings of Israel were commanded, "But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). He not only turned to Egypt for horses, but he also took Pharaoh's daughter as a wife. He offered enormous sacrifices to God, built the world famous Temple in Jerusalem, and offered the longest recorded prayer in the Bible; but his disregard for God's Word, his many marriages to pagan wives, and his worship at their Canaanite high places were all acts of rebellion against God.

Solomon refused to follow his godly father's advice to keep the Lord's commandments, he is typical of the brilliant, multitalented people who compromise biblical principles and still assume that God is pleased since they are successful and popular. But compromise is the first foothold of sin that sooner or later destroys one's spiritual usefulness and influence for Christ.

Too often people claim to be Christians because it will benefit them in some manner, but a real relationship with Christ begins by loving the Lord with all your heart and not becoming consumed with the lusts of the world. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the wisdom which God gave Solomon (I Kings 3:12). "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" (I Corinthians 1:30)

Today's Psalm: 86:12
"I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help our ears to be alert, our eyes to be open, and our hearts perceptive as we follow in Your ways. May we be eager to hear Your teaching and apply it to our lives so that we may be found blameless before You and experience the joy You give to those who follow Your commands. When Your meaning is clear help us to seek no other meaning to satisfy our own desires or to change the clear meaning of Your message. Align our desires with Your own, that we might find genuine peace and wholehearted obedience as You bring spiritual healing to our lives. Help us to follow Your will as You will bless us abundantly in doing so. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a terrific Tuesday and God bless you,
Christina

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Do Not Compromise 04.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday April 21, 2008 and today we begin our study on the book of I Kings. The book of I Kings is the eleventh book of the Old Testament and contains 22 chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but could be Jeremiah and was written to the people in Israel in order to continue the record of God's dealings with His people. The purpose of the book is to teach all to understand that compromise may seem easy but it is always costly later. Please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%201-2&versio n=9

Today we will read and learn about David becoming stricken in his old age and his son, Adonijah, rebels and tries to take over a king; Joab defecting; Abiathar defecting; and King David charges Solomon to be obedient to God's Word as he makes him king. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to stand firm in following God's will.

"Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat." (I Kings 1:1). David's son, Adonijah persuaded the two most influential men in Israel to join him and become traitors to David. Abiathar, the high priest, through whom Adonijah would have religious approval by the people, and the powerful Joab, commander in chief of David's army, cooperated with Adonijah in this ruthless conspiracy. "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him." (1:5-7).

Presuming that since he was the oldest living son of David this gave him the right to the throne, and disregarding his father's prolonged illness, Adonijah ruthlessy attempted to seize the throne by force. However, God was still Soverign over Israel and retained the unchallengeable right of selecting the one who would reign over His people. Solomon had been designated by both God and David as his successor to the throne and is publicly announced. "So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon. And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon." (1:38-39).

Praise God Always 04.19.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday April 19, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read Chapter 21-22 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2021%20--22& ;version=9

In today's message we will read and learn about God punishing Israel with a 3-year famine; seven members of Saul's family being put to death; and victories over Philistine giants. Today's message focuses on the importance of praising God through all circumstances.

The days of harvest had once again come, but there was nothing to eat because there was a famine in the land which lasted for 3 years. "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites." (II Samuel 21:1). Saul had violated the covenant that Israel had made with the Gibeonites 400 years earlier. That treaty was still sacred because the covenant had been sworn to in the Name of God (Joshua 9:3,15-19).

The surviving Gibeonites did not ask David for silver or gold to compensate for the murder of loved ones or for the loss of their property. Instead, they asked permission to hang seven men who were descendants of Saul. "And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them." (21:4-6). Therefore, David was responsible before God to deliver the seven men to the Gibeonites. Because of his covenant with Jonathan, an exception was made for his crippled son, Mephibosheth, "But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD's oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul." (21:7).

Throughout the Old Testament, we learn the value God has placed on keeping our promises. Let us recognize the danger of disregarding our moral and spiritual responsibilities. In God's eyes, not even the king of a nation is above its laws.

Although David's life was filled with many disappointments, sufferings, and sorrows, he readily acknowledged that it was the Lord who gave every deliverance from his enemies. Because of his many years of prayerful conversation with the Lord, it was natural for David to write a song for Him. (II Samuel 22). David teaches us to give praise to God in the midst of stressful times regardless of our circumstances. Such a testimony may be God's means of letting others come to know Him.

There are times when believers pray without getting immediate answers from God. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). Consider your motive when praying, God cannot answer prayers that are out of harmony with His will. Therefore it is in our best interest that we come to know and then live in harmony with His revealed Word.

Today's Psalm:18:49
"Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 18
1I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

 2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

 3I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

 5The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

 6In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Have a great and wonderful Saturday night and enjoy the rest of your weekend. I apologize for the delay in the message today.
God Bless,
Christina

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Repentance of Sin 04.16.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday April 16, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read Chapters 15-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2015-16&ver sion=9

In today's study we will read and learn about Absalom winning over national leaders; him leading a riot to overthrow David's reign; and David fleeing in fear of his son. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that our internal spiritual battles (lust) usually become external wars for years to come, but God is faithful and just to forgive all sins to those who call on Him.

The consequences of David's sin continue as his son Absalom violently strives to murder his father and take over his kingdom. Following his return from his three-year exile, he pretended to care for the people. Each day he would listen to their complaints at the gate and deceptively told them how he would improve the administration of justice if only he were king. His plot culminated as he gathered his forces to besiege Jerusalem. "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!" (II Samuel 15:1-4).

Soon news reached David that the hearts of the men of Israel are committed to Absalom and David fled because of his concern for the safety of the Ark and the city of God. During this time, he had no thought of self-pity, bitterness, or revenge. David's great concern was to avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem, the City of God. "And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword." (15:14). The brokenhearted old king, left Jerusalem, running barefoot down the rocky, rugged hills to the Brook Kidron and up the Mount of Olives, weeping, fleeing Jerusalem in fear of his own beloved son. "And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up." (15:30).

After learning he had been betrayed by his trusted counselor, David committed himself to God. Then, he sent Hushai his longtime friend back to Jerusalem with instructions as to how he could become Absalom's adviser and, thus, refute Ahithophel's counsel. "And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel." (15:31-34).

David did not blame God for the many tragic experiences that happened after his great sin with Bathsheba. He had sinned and he knew he was now suffering the consequences as Nathan had prophesied (12:9-12). David now experienced his kingdom being shattered by civil war with all of its devastation and undoubtedly blamed himself. Little could David have realized when he beheld the beautiful Bathsheba, that one night of self-indulgence would bring such awful consequences. No one ever does. The results of our sins are inevitable and inescapable, for what ever a man sows, he shall also reap. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8).

However, we can be exceedingly confident and grateful for the Lord's mercy, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:7-9).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David as he rebuked his followers when they wanted to execute his enemies, (II Samuel 16:10-11). When Jesus' disciples wanted to do the same, He rebuked them, "But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village." (Luke 9:55-56).

Today's Psalm: 119:67
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help us to be people who do not merely listen to Your Word or read it hastily. Help us to do what it says so that we will be blessed in all that we do. We receive Your favor and sense inner peace when we are obedient to You. Help us to look intently into Your Holy Word and apply its teaching so that we enjoy freedom from sin, unceasing joy, and the promise of eternity spent with You. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
God Bless,
Christina

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Consequences of Fulfilling Lust 04.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday April 15, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read Chapters 13-14 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2013-14&ver sion=9

Today we will read and learn about David's sons, Absalom, Amnon, and his daughter Tamar; Tamar gets sexually abused by Anmon, and Absalom seeks revenge by murdering Anmon. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that lust leads to hatred and destruction, but Jesus gives us a way out of the destruction.

After his brief moment of lustful gratification, he forced her out of his home and locked the door. Tamar's life was ruined by the cruel defiling of Amnon, who destroyed his half-sister to satisfy his own evil lust. His sudden change of reaction from what he termed "love" for her to "hate" furnishes a striking proof that lust is not love. Lust, whether fulfilled or not, often turns to hatred. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren." (James 1:14-16)

When David learned of Amnon's deception and wicked sin against his daughter, he was very angry. Amnon was David's firstborn son and heir to the throne and motivated by selfish ambition to become king, Absalom, under the pretext of justice for the attack on his sister Tamar, murdered Amnon. "Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled." (II Samuel 13:28-29). Absalom then fled for safety to Geshur where he lived with his grandfather for three years. "But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years." (13:37-38).

The cesspool of sin is to be avoided since the results are sorrow, suffering, and separation from God. Parents can experience no greater suffering than to see their children repeat the same sins they commited. However, we cannot undo past sins, failures, and wasted time, but Christians are assured that we have an Advocate that can save us from sin. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (I John 2:1-2).

We all should be deeply grateful for the mercy of God. From beginning to end, the Bible is the history of God's redeeming love. God is still pleading with every sinner to repent, turn from sin, and wholeheartedly yield himself to Christ as Lord. As we yield our wills to the Lord and allow Him to mold our thoughts and activiities to conformity with His will we then can fulfill the purpose for which He created us. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:15-17).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David's restoration of Absalom (II Samuel 14:33). If an earthly father's compassion reconciles him to his estranged son, how much more will our Heavenly Father reconcile us to Himself when we confess and forsake our sins. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-19).

Today's Psalm: 78:38
"But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are blessed to live by Your mercy and grace, thank You for showing us a way out of the destruction of sin. Lord, forgive us for giving into our fleshly desires and help us to remain faithful to You by setting our thoughts on You especially when temptations arise. Lord, give us the strength and wisdom to overcome any temptation as You always give us a way out of any situation. Lord, walk with us, guide us, and abide in us, help us to follow Your will and to set our attention on that so that we are not giving in so easily to the lusts of our flesh. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a terrific Tuesday and God Bless you.
Christina

P.S. I apologize for getting this message out late, I had internet problems this morning.

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One Sin, Many Consequences 04.14.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday April 14, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read Chapters 10-12 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2010%20--%2012& amp;version=9

In today's study we will read and learn about the Ammonites and Syrians defeat; Bathsheba and David; Nathan's parable and David's repentance; and the birth of Solomon. Today's message focuses on the importance of understanding that it only takes one sin to create life changing consequences.

David, king of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem." (II Samuel 11:1). Satan always has something or someone to distract and attract us when we are in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying.

For David, his spiritual defeat began with a look of lust at the beautiful Bathsheba. David knew that adultery was a wicked sin against God and was punishable by death. "And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house." (11:2-4). All it takes is one sin, which usually leads to another and to unforeseen complications, as well as to other evils.

David did not stop there, he even went as far as sending Uriah out into battle knowing that he would be killed so he can take Bathsheba as his wife. (11:6-24).
Davids actions displeased the Lord, "And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD." (11:26-27)

For a king to take the wife of a poor man would seem insignificant to one with the power and privileges which David possessed. Once the deed was done, David, no doubt, performed all his official tasks just as before, and even went to the services of the Tabernacle with no one the wiser. Until this sin, David rose in power with one mighty victory after another.

From the moment David first lusted after Bathsheba until their marriage, no one interfered with their pleasure. However, about one year later, Nathan the prophet boldly confronted David, "Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun." (12:9-11).

Deeply grieved and repentant, David confessed, "And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die." (12:13). Although forgiven, the next twenty years the entire last half of his reign, until his death David's sorrows and sufferings never ceased from that one night of yielding to his lust.

It is not a sin to be tempted, it is however a sin to act on those temptations. God may allow us to be tempted, but he always gives us a way out of them. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:12-15).

God in His righteousness and holiness declares that He is no respecter of persons. "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35). No one is above the will and Word of God. David, one of His best servants still had to suffer the concequences of gratifying his fleshly desires. Because of David's sincere repentance God forgave him, but forgiveness does not remove the natural results of sin. We never receive the true blessings that were intended for us when we sin.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophet Nathan in giving Solomon the name Jedidiah which means beloved of the Lord (II Samuel 12:24-25) Christ was greatly loved by the Father.

Today's Psalm: 51:1
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you, Jesus for dying and saving me from my sins. It is not by might, nor by power, but by Your Spirit that we can stand against the temptations of the enemy as we build our foundation of faith, one brick at a time. Lord, walk with us, guide us and abide in us as it is only when you are with us are we able to overcome the temptations that cause us to sin and fall short of Your glory. Teach me to follow Your will and to keep my focus on You at all times so that I am less likely to fall into temptation. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a great Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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Let God Be Your Guide 04.13.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday April 13, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapter 6-9 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%206-9&versi on=9

Today we will read and learn about David bringing the Ark of God into Jerusalem; God making a covenant with David; David's prayer of thanksgiving; his victories; & David's kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son. Today's message focuses on the importance of staying in God's Word daily and seeking Him for guidance in all things.

David was now king of the united kingdom. He desired to honor God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God on earth, to Jerusalem, which would be the religious and political capital of David's kingdom. For about 75 years, during most of Samuel's leadership and during Saul's 40-year reign, the Ark had remained with Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim.

David often inquired of the LORD about what to do, but he saw no need to pray about moving the Ark to Jerusalem. David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel and they set the Ark of God upon a new cart, as the Philistines had done many years before when they had captured it, and they proceeded toward Jerusalem with great rejoicing. David made the procession a national day of rejoicing to impress all Israel with the importance of putting God in the center of their national life."Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark." (II Samuel 6:1-4). However, this caused a problem as Uzzah died from trying to keep the Ark from toppling off the cart. "And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God." (6:6-7).

David was humiliated and displeased, he was sincerely seeking to honor God, but he had overlooked two very important instructions in the Word of God: The Ark had to be carried by poles on the shoulders of the priests, and the penalty for touching the Ark of God's Presence was death" (See Exodus 25, Numbers 3,4). This incident should teach us that it is a serious error to believe that, as long as a person is sincere, it makes no difference what he believes or does. It should also teach us the importance of knowing God's Word. "If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting (undermining) of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:13-15).

Despite some errors David was still the greatest king ever to rule the nation of Israel as he was a man after God's own heart. The key to his greatness was two characteristics that are available to everyone: (1.) His love for the Word of God. 2.) His prayers for guidance. When he discovered his error he went to God and prayed for guidance. "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?" (II Samuel 6:9). However, he was not made great for his own sake, but because of his loyalty to God regardless of circumstances.

As King David sat in his palace of cedar, God reminded him of the days when, as a youth, he faithfully had cared for his sheep. During all the years that had intervened, and in all the many experiences through which he had passed, he recognized God's special care. A dim outline was given to Nathan by prophetic vision of a kingdom far more glorious than that which David ruled, through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed. "Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom." (II Samuel 7:10-12).

The name of David held preeminence among the kings of Israel. But One who descended from David according to the flesh has the transcendent glory of His kingdom, and the depths of His sacrificial love caused the name of David to sink into nothingness in comparison. King Jesus is God and His throne is in the heart of each of us that has Jesus, the Christ, as Lord and Savior of our lives.

God has still much more for His people for whom the Great King laid down His life. We cannot begin to comprehend all the plans and accomplishments of the reign of Christ within the person who holds nothing back from fulfilling His will. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Ark of the Covenant, (II Samuel 6:17). The Ark contained God's Word given to Moses (See Deuteronomy 10:1-5), and God dwelt above its Mercy Seat. Today, Christ is the living Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1,14).

Today's Psalm: 119:96-98
"I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.".

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We choose to follow You all the days of our life. We find great assurance as we’re reminded that we will not be engulfed by the surrounding evil, but instead Your light will guide us to eternal blessing. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight holding onto Your promises as we continue to build a solid foundation through Your Holy Word.  It is in the Name of Jesus that we pray.....Amen

Have a blessed Sunday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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God's Timing For Everything 04.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday April 11, 2008 and today we begin our study on the book of II Samuel. The book of II Samuel is the tenth book of the Old Testament and contains 24 chapters. The author of the book was Samuel and the purpose of the book is to continue the historical record of God's dealing with His people. It focuses on the importance of realizing that God carries out His plan through those obedient to Him in spite of their human frailties.

Please read chapters 1-2 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%201%20--%202&am p;version=9 Today we will read and learn about David mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan; David being crowned king of Judah; and Ish-bosheth, Saul's son being made king of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of learning that God times everything in our lives perfectly, He blesses us with what He promises when He sees that we are prepared to handle them.

Saul had driven David from his family, his wife, his friends, and then into exile as a fugitive far from the palace. An Amalekite nomad, who carried in his hand the crown of Saul, mistakenly thought David would be pleased that he had executed him. "Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. And David said unto the young man that told him, How knowest thou that Saul and Jonathan his son be dead? And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him." (II Samuel 1:1-6). The Amalekite could not conceive of David not rejoicing over the death of such an enemy. But, David mourned, and wept, and fasted until the evening.

Now that Saul was dead, who would reign in his place? Israel was without a king. David had been anointed long ago by Samuel the prophet to be the next king of Israel (See I Samuel 16:13). However, Abner, Saul's cousin and the powerful commander of Saul's army, was determined to retain his position. He persuaded the elders of Israel to put Saul's only surviving son Ish-bosheth on the throne over the 10 tribes. David could have felt justified to face Abner in battle for his right as God's chosen successor. Instead he seeked the Lord for guidance, "And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul." (2:1-4). David continually waited upon God, making no effort to seize the kingdom, even after he was to be king.

We learn from David's conduct that God knows the best time to fulfill His promises. God prepared David to receive the kingdom with the right attitude. His confidence and dependence upon God were not marred by any intrusion of his own desires and ambitions. We cannot do justice to David's full surrender to the Lord unless we contemplate the desire which he must have had to return to his own country, and the opportunity which Saul's death seemed to open to him to seize the throne and become king of Israel.

The greatness of a man is measured by his patient surrender to the will of God. It is not a question of who you are or of what your abilities are, but whether or not You allow God's will for your life. God's timing is always perfect. Like waiting for a seed to grow, we must wait patiently for the harvest.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David's noble poem of sorrow (II Samuel 1:17-27). David forgot all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul and considered only the pleasant things. Here David typifies Christ, who loved us even when we were dead to sin, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:1-6)

Today's Psalm: 31:15
"My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart. What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that I am able to endure my struggles . Lord, I know that many of the struggles I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these struggles are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of them. You develop godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful to You. Help me to practice patience and to trust You completely. Help me to seek You for guidance and understaning Your will for my life. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a fantastic Friday and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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